CES 2013: Lenovo Releases ThinkPad Helix Ultrabook

Weighing well below 1 kilogram, it has an unusual clickpad

CES 2013 is upon us and, obviously, Lenovo is there in full technicolor glory, launching all sorts of computers, especially notebooks and, in this case, ultrabooks part of the ThinkPad collection.

The new laptop is called ThinkPad Helix and has a screen diagonal length of 11.6 inches, which is basically the minimum limit.

Lenovo, apparently, isn't sparing anything in the portability department, even if it means putting the price in the high spectrum.

For those who want specifics, the ThinkPad Helix has a starting price of $1,499, which can mean anything from 1137 Euro to 1499, depending on how closely the European price mirrors exchange rates.

Considering how rare it is for EU prices to be lower than in the US though, dollar per Euro, it is unlikely that customers from the old continent will be able to buy the item for less than 1499 Euro.

At any rate, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix has an Intel Core vPro CPU, customizable storage and memory capacities, a five-button clickpad, a very bright display, a 1080p IPS LCD and 4G LTE broadband support.

Finally, Lenovo designed the Helix with a “Rip and Flip” hinge, although it doesn't really qualify as a hinge at all.

Owners can simply detach the screen half and flip it over, then attaching it to the keyboard facing its back.

In other words, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is as much a tablet sold with a keyboard dock as it is a convertible Ultrabook.

Other relevant details include NFC (near field communications) and various ports and plugs.

Lenovo should start selling the laptop in February 2013. Given the 4G LTE, mobile brands might offer it as well, with or without a data plan included in the deal.